The American Spectator

martin j smith| 4.1.10 @ 7:25AM

Candidates should be questioned about their polcies and be forced to defend their positions. If they are no better than the Democrat Party--why should that be a R or a C ?

Paul| 4.1.10 @ 8:19AM

When a RINO tries to play the electorate by saying he now "sees the light" we shoulod just say, "Gee that's great. We're glad that you've finally grown up. Now go retire with your new knowledge."

Jim O'Brien| 4.1.10 @ 8:39AM

Unfortunately Snow and Collins (Rinos-ME) are not up for election until 2012 and 2014.

Paul Vickery| 4.1.10 @ 10:30AM

Do you really want to get rid of Snow and Collins? Weren't they with you on healthcare? Voting out Snow and Collins is a vote for a Democrat, and more of what we've seen with healthcare. Conservatives need to remember that the perfect is the enemy of the good.

KY3 Democrat| 4.2.10 @ 7:09PM

You tell 'em, Paul.

The baggers are too politically weak to force out RINOs. But the 'baggers will hang on to their ideological purity: it's all they have left.

Next up for the Democratic Party: heavy lifting on jobs, energy, financial sector regulation, and international relations. Tea Baggers can now go back to sleep.

Blackwatch| 4.3.10 @ 10:24PM

Hey KY Jelly, good lucks with all that "heavy" lifting. Democrats don't Know what work is.

GavInTucson| 4.5.10 @ 11:52PM

Fifty one percent of the "Baggers" (to use your sexual parlance) consist of Independents and Democrats. I wouldn't exactly call that politically weak.

aware| 4.1.10 @ 8:43AM

Peter Schiff is the only trustworthy one in the race. Period. But he has the mark of having been right too often going against him, not to mention no experience as a professional parasite of the political class. Almost worth even moving to worker's paradise of Connecticut just to vote for him.
If we have a chance of stopping this goosestep to fascist hell men like Schiff are absolutely necessary.

Winston Place| 4.3.10 @ 6:04AM

aware says''not to mention no experience as a professional parasite of the political class''
Sats it all of the plitical class-not much better here in England with our present goverment.
I have long admired Peter Schiff he was born on the same day I got married. 23.03.1963

John - TMF| 4.1.10 @ 9:16AM

Rule Number 1: There are no socially liberal-fiscal conservatives. The concept is an oxymoron.

Social Liberals will always choose the Libertine over the Conservative if the latter threatens the former. If it means raising taxes to fund abortions, they do it as long as the budgets balance.

There is another term for them. Tax Collectors for the Welfare State.

r/TMF

Ammo Guy| 4.1.10 @ 10:36AM

Uh-oh, now you've gone and done it - expect to hear from Bob any minute now who will call you names much worse than "oxymoron"
I had this argument with him online a year ago and I took your side - he will berate and belittle you unless you went to an Ivy League school, whereupon he will attempt to gently nudge you back onto the "true path" since your degree shows that you are salvage-worthy. Good luck!

Eisenhower| 4.1.10 @ 2:30PM

"Rule Number 1: There are no socially liberal-fiscal conservatives. The concept is an oxymoron. "
Um, does the late Senator Barry Goldwater ring a bell, how about Rudy Giuliani, Tom Ridge, and Scott Brown. The whole concept of a moderate Republican or a small-l libertarian is someone who's Socially liberal/moderate and fiscally conservative. Why throw your allies under the bus? Libertarians, and moderate Republicans have more of a place in the GOP, than they would in the Democratic Party.

John - TMF| 4.1.10 @ 3:43PM

Goldwater fell off the cart in his dotage. It isn't surprising, old men tend to get led around by er um their noses as they age.

Tom Ridge? Gone... someone's lobby perhaps? He sure isn't in power any more.

Rudy... lost the nomination because of his social stances... and his private life is a mess... His social "liberalness" was limited, however. His law and order, plus national defense stances made up for some of his other socially libertine impulses. He was muddy, and now is not in power.

"Moderate Republicans" are the mushy middle the Establishment Republicans keep chasing after.... the moderate loyalty level being dictated by their desire to "frolic" unimpeded by the consequences..

Like I said their fiscal conservatism always pays the price for their personal libertine demands. When push comes to shove they vote Liberal if voting Conservative fiscal principles are at odds with their social liberalism.

Utilitarianism (Liberalism) cannot be reconciled with Conservatism. The former grades life on a scale of convenience, the latter considers it the ultimate wealth.

Again: Tax collectors for the welfare state...

Cao,

TMF

Eisenhower| 4.1.10 @ 4:45PM

"Goldwater fell off the cart in his dotage. It isn't surprising, old men tend to get led around by er um their noses as they age. "

Goldwater would disagree with this statement, especially considering his principled stands against the Religious Right. I don't think anyone can credibly say he was a pawn for the Welfare State or anyone else. I mean really at what did he betray the cause of limited Government, for social liberalism? Now I will agree with you about Giuliani I can't stand him anyway and see him as Authoritarian prick. However, I disagree that most social liberals are pawns of the Welfare State. It certainly wasn't the case with Goldwater, or with most libertarians for that matter. As for "moderate" Republicans well so far Scott Brown, hasn't been a big disappoinment. And the few other "moderate" conservatives have also remained in lock step with the GOP in voting against Big Gov't programs of Obama. If there are any socially liberal conservatives betraying the cause, I doubt it has anything to do with their stands of the social issues. Not to mention, with so many social "conservatives" like Bennet, Graham, and McConnell backing legislation like the TARP and other big gov't programs, I would think the social issues would go on the back burner.

"Well, I've spent quite a number of years carrying the flag of the 'Old Conservatism.' And I can say with conviction that the religious issues of these groups have little or nothing to do with conservative or liberal politics. The uncompromising position of these groups is a divisive element that could tear apart the very spirit of our representative system, if they gain sufficient strength. Being a conservative in America traditionally has meant that one holds a deep, abiding respect for the Constitution. We conservatives believe sincerely in the integrity of the Constitution. We treasure the freedoms that document protects. . ."
- Barry Goldwater (R)

"History will probably find that Conservatives of my ilk will be called Liberals."
- Barry Goldwater (R)

Kenpowoman| 4.1.10 @ 8:47PM

Fiscally conservative/socially liberal IS an oxymoron. The socially liberal policies these people advocate always end up costing MORE $$$.

Eisenhower| 4.2.10 @ 12:09AM

If we're talking Giuliani-style social liberalism aka public funding for abortion, then I might agree with you. But if we're talking leave it to states libertarianism as favored by Goldwater, then I have to disagree.

KY3 Democrat| 4.2.10 @ 7:14PM

John-TMF,

Keep in mind that the last time this nation started paying off debt was under Bill Clinton. I call paying off debt pretty damn fiscally conservative.

As for abortion: yes I support a woman's right to choose a safe therapeutic abortion.

As for your Welfare State, we have that already: welfare to the rich to abuse workers and place the economy at risk.

axbucxdu| 4.4.10 @ 10:47PM

Gross Federal debt declined 2.1% in FY2000. However, it immediately began increasing again in Slick's final budget of FY2001 (that began in October 2000, months before Shrub took over the reins).

We have now had two recent examples of what happens fiscally when there is single party control of the executive and legislative branches of the government. As we now also know, the results have not been encouraging.

Viewed in terms of fiscal conservatism, Clinton had the paradoxical advantage of the opposition party controlling Congress. It seems thoroughly divided government (i.e., ineffective in that it can't "do anything") is necessary to achieve fiscal sanity, but even that is insufficient to maintain it.

The hell with fiscal conservatism, the country needs a monetary reactionary. The only way to put the beast on a diet is to destroy it's bread machine.

Northern Rebel| 4.1.10 @ 9:27AM

I lived in Connecticut for the first 42 years of my life, and the only good congressman they ever elected, was a gentleman named Gary Franks.

They were so proud of themselves! They elected a black man! We are so nice! We reach out so well!

Then, their self-congratulatory pats on their own backs, turned to outright fear, and unmitigated terror!

Congressman Franks was a conservative!

GOOD LORD, WHAT WERE WE THINKING?

He didn't last long, after they found that out.

Mattled| 4.1.10 @ 9:47AM

Rebel,
Heading up to your neck of the woods next week to visit the family.

I recently re-engaged with some childhood friends I hadn't talked to in 10 years.

In that 10 years I have become very politically focused. So have they.
They (except one they ridicule is always cleaning his guns) have all become Liberals. (sigh)

Jim McClarin| 4.1.10 @ 10:08AM

Judd Gregg is an exception? An exception to what? He spearheaded the Bush bailout and was liberal enough in Obama's eyes to be tapped for Commerce Secretary. The real reason he turned it down: Obama took the census away from him. Gregg is as much a New World Order player as both presidents Bush and Obama. IOW he was already on the team.

Bold Yankee| 4.1.10 @ 10:19AM

It's a shame to have to acknowledge the truth in Mr. Purple's piece on Rob Simmons.

His vote against oil exploration in ANWR, and his support of partial birth abortion, are well outside any definition of "conservative."

Truth be told, he probably didn't believe in most of his own liberal positions. Connecticut Republicans in those days felt pressured to follow the lead of then-Rep. Nancy Johnson because she was allowed to set the boundaries for, and preen about, what was acceptably "moderate." She - and probably Chris Shays, too - were granted effective veto over what Rob Simmons might otherwise have done. One couldn't step outside the "moderate" box, after all.

It's too bad, too. He was a guy who took on a 20-yr incumbent left winger in a House district that's rightly called a "Democrat stronghold within a Democrat stronghold." So, let's not forget that Rob Simmons had guts, and succeeded at what so many had failed to do before.

The operative word is "had." Did he really think that his positions on ANWR, and his now-former positions on cap-and-trade and card-check would mollify environmental groups and union organizations? Did he think that maybe all those groups would support him against a Democrat in 2006? And, isn't that always the ever-disappointed dream of New England RINOs?

History proves wrong in almost every election cycle, and yet they cling to the dream of picking significant slices out of the usual liberal coalitions.

So sad for Rob Simmons, who could have been a Scott Brown-style leader. Now, he's just mush.

Chris Lewis| 4.1.10 @ 10:25AM

I'm afraid that Mr. Purple may find that Scott Brown is a lot more like a New England Republican than he is Dick Armey. And, so what? Connecticut is a hell of a lot different than Texas, and the Republicans that are elected from this region will be far less conservative. I like Peter Schiff a lot, but he ain't getting elected.

Jim McClarin| 4.1.10 @ 10:29AM

Schiff has little chance to win? Come on now, Matt. You've succumbed to the temptation to read the race by a quick look at the numbers, not bothering to delve. Yes, Schiff needs to register much higher in the polls but the last one was taken before he began his statewide radio and TV advertising. If another poll were taken today Schiff would be in the mid-teens at minimum and within a couple more weeks he'll be challenging Simmons for second. The race will be between Schiff and McMahon, not Simmons and McMahon.

McMahon can spend all she wants but if she doesn't come across as a person of genuine convictions, knowledge, and ability like Schiff, he is very apt to take her out as well.

Finally, there is the matter of likability. McMahon is wooden. Schiff has sparkle. Although only 15% of voters surveyed had heard of Schiff, 60% of those who had liked him. McMahon is now well recognized but has significant disapproval numbers. Now that Schiff is spending a quarter-million a week getting known we'll see McMahon's numbers begin to deteriorate.

Good Captain| 4.12.10 @ 4:28PM

Great point Jim!

2010 will /could be a watershed year depending at least in part on the challengers running against the incumbents. Taking your sum up of the candidates as accurate, I believe challengers striking the the electorate as "traditional" politicians (i.e., say anything to get elected) will/may see their vote count decrease by as much as 10% from what a challenger might have received absent the moniker.

As such, the Schiff candidacy might prove the most electable of the 3 Republican challengers for CT's open Senate position (particularly if he can raise or self-fund his campaign adequately.

Northern Rebel| 4.1.10 @ 11:03AM

Mattled:

It's a frustrating place. I now live in northern NY, which is no better. I live in the controversial 23rd district, where they put up a republican candidate that was worse than the democrat, so a conservative party member named Hoffman ran, and lost the special election.

My county, Madison, is the most conservative in the state, if that is any solace.

Good luck, Mattled;

keep the faith brother! (or sister, as it may be)

From Caz| 4.1.10 @ 10:15PM

I'm from Caz, where are you from?

Son Of Sam| 4.1.10 @ 11:07AM

"Connecticut Republicans" are a species just like "tolerant ObamaNazis" or "honest liberals". Maybe they actually exist as advertised, but I'm not buying it.Matter of fact, I'm not even renting it

stand strong until freedom dawns
Son Of Sam

Howard| 4.1.10 @ 1:18PM

the "Connecticut Republican" does have a long history. Abolitionist, Yankee, Blue blood. Later, after the New Deal, they accepted the Roosevelt agency, but presented themselves as efficient administrators. They could manage these programs better than the greasy, ethnic Democrats. It lasted until only a few years ago. It would be a mistake to reinvigorate this species. With the fiscal abomination of Obamaworld, we cannot present ourselves as efficient managers. We must be destroyers of Obamas' adventures, not efficiency experts.

Matthew Gardner| 4.1.10 @ 2:35PM

Peter Schiff can win both the primary and general election.

60% of Connecticut Republicans who have heard of Peter Schiff are supporting him.

He more than doubled his support after the first debate.

More people have donated to Peter Schiff than any other candidate combined, including democrats.

Now this week he started running radio and tv ads and that will bring up his poll numbers.

Goto youtube, look at comments on these blogs you will see the Peter Schiff supporters coming out.

I never see McMahon or Simmons fans that are so passionate about them to comment in these media venues.

Schiff supporters are passionate and vocal, so you can count on his new supporters donating to his campaign with their time and money.

Carl Menger| 4.1.10 @ 2:51PM

"The reality is that New England Republicans [...] aren't driven by a Lockean philosophy, a Hayekian philosophy or really any philosophy at all."

With Peter Schiff I'd beg to differ. The guy literally is a Haykekian.

Mike| 4.1.10 @ 3:09PM

Don't say Schiff doesn't have a chance. He was at 9% before he ran any ads. Now he's running them nonstop. And he comes across as much more electable and likable than Ron Paul. I'll say it right now that I think he and Linda are going to go toe to toe right up until the end.

Charles| 4.1.10 @ 4:38PM

Schiff is hands down the best candidate.

Mike| 4.1.10 @ 4:41PM

If people in connecticut want to start putting conservatives in government, they should look to Rob Merkle, who is running for U.S. Congress, 4th district.

He is a true conservative in the "Tea Party" vein, fiscally conservative, pro-life, pro-defense, and pro-business. he is a married father of two (soon to be three) and needs our support. Here is a message from Rob Merkle as part of his campaign:
__________________________________
"I want to start by thanking you for all of the support, encouragement and tireless efforts you have contributed on behalf of my campaign. Without your efforts to date, we would not be one of the leaders in the 4th district race headed into the convention!

Together we have defied the odds, challenged both Jim Himes and the entrenched political machine, and we are winning. We have the most momentum and are in a strong position going into the state convention in May, and are looking forward to winning the primary in August and to sending Jim Himes home in November.

Our opponents have benefited from established political organizations and donor lists while I am building a grassroots effort. The reality of politics is the more money and resources you have, the more your message is seen by the voters. Help me send a message to Jim Himes that we are coming, we will replace him in November, we want someone who actually represents US in Congress for a change.

Please below to donate now, anything you can give would be welcome. Can I count on you for $5, $10, $50 or even $100? Please consider sending this to all of your friends, tell them you have found a true citizen politician, someone who shares your principles, has the courage and strength to uphold them, and who will fight for us in Washington every day.
http://www.merkleforcongress.c.....Itemid=159

Even if they can’t vote for me, I can vote for them by cutting back this tyrannical government.

Time is of the essence, online donations need to be received by midnight tonight (March 31, 2010), and checks must be dated March 31, sent to:

Merkle for Congress
P.O. Box 155
Wilton CT 06897

Thank you for helping me send a message to the naysayers! The PEOPLE will win this election!

In Liberty,

Rob

Paul V. | 4.1.10 @ 5:56PM

I am dissapointed Mat Purple failed to mention that Peter SChiff is is the only conservative in the race. Peter is one of the only candidates in the entire country talking about dramatic cuts in government spending and power. Peter is one conservative everyone in the country should be behind. This article shows a lack of understanding of the Conn. Senate race.

Kevin Riley O'Keeffe| 4.1.10 @ 8:00PM

Peter Schiff all the way! Anyone who votes for Linda McMahon should be stricken from the voting rolls for life, due to the fact they are apparently not ready to make adult political decisions. And the other guy is just a damn pipsqueak RINO. Really, how hard a calculation is this?

Diana| 4.1.10 @ 8:58PM

Why do journalists always feel compelled to tell people who can win and who can't? A vote for Schiff is a vote for Republican principles. You're throwing your vote away on the other two candidates who don't stand for anything and barely grasp the issues at hand.

loulou| 4.1.10 @ 9:34PM

They said Rubio couldn't win.
They said Kay Bailey Hutchison would win.
They're saying JD Hayworth can't win.
Now they're saying Schiff can't win.
They don't know anything.

J.C.Eaton| 4.1.10 @ 9:43PM

I confess to knowing nothing about the three worthies named in the article...but....I do live in northern Wisconsin, an area unpleasantly close to Minnesota, a state which had the vapors long enough to elect a wrassler named Ventura who became "Governor Turnbuckle." An absolute clown. Can the election of sister McMahon turn out any differently?

Yosemeti Sam| 4.2.10 @ 12:39AM

" ... She's pledged to spend $50 million to win her campaign, and has already blitzed the state with TV spots...."

Another Corzine - trying to BUY a senate seat!

Away with such adventuress.

What's that saying: ya gots to spend money - to
make sometimes venal money.

As to Simmons, count him out - see Arizona and senator McGoos' brazen efforts to recast himself
as a conservative.

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General| 4.2.10 @ 1:32AM

Yeah, here's the Schiff brigade's strategy:

"We need to start writing emails to journalists, editors, and news organizations requesting more coverage of Schiff. Try your best to impersonate Connecticut residents."

Spamming local papers is gonna go over great!

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Michele San Pietro| 4.2.10 @ 11:19AM

I'm very attached to Connecticut, the first of the fifty states I had the opportunity to visit. And I hope conservatism can become stronger there.

Jeff| 4.2.10 @ 1:22PM

I just finished Peter Schiff's latest book and it's amazing how well this guy understands the situation. He called the whole meltdown, not only that it would happen, but the specific order of events and even the government's response. Go donate to his campaign and let this article be the last time anyone says he can't win.

Mario| 4.2.10 @ 3:32PM

Dear Matt Purple,
Rob Simmons is certainly "fraudulent" as you said. But isn't Linda McMahon also fraudulent ? She is on record saying she supported the first TARP bailout/stimulus under Bush. She also contributed to Democrat party campaigns. She also fits the term of "fraud" completely. She is no conservative.
Looking at the polls, it looks like Richard Blumenthal will wipe the floor with either Rob Simmons or Linda McMahon. Neither of the two have even a figment of chance against Richard Blumenthal. I am sorry to say, Connecticut Republicans who are choosing either of these 2 clowns have very questionable brain matter.

PCP Smoker| 4.2.10 @ 7:52PM

It was interesting until I got to " ... by flying the colors of an unabashed and lively fiscal conservative".

Brown voted for the $15Bn, or was it the 150Bn, "Get Americans Back to Work-Super" Jobs Bill. That's "New England, Hard Rock, Fiscal Conservatism" for you. But then again, anyone or anything (literally) that votes against socialism and I can support, including Shays, Simmons or an orange tree

Brian| 4.4.10 @ 1:26PM

Conn. is covered with Gov funded propaganda. Some areas recieve as many as 12 PBS TV stations and NPR leftist government radio likewise blankets the state. As long as leftists control government media and schools Conn will haunt conservatives. PS. thank Repubs for voting to fund same.

General| 4.5.10 @ 4:22PM

Holy cow Brian! When does your John Birch Society membership expire? You sound like some Banana Republic's spokesperson from the 70's.

Brian| 4.5.10 @ 11:17PM

Silly leftist..I'm a Birther not a Bircher

yours| 4.13.10 @ 10:40AM

Come on, people, self promotion is as human as egotism (something we all share to some degree), and, in the case of name recognition, as important as eating. Can any of you name a single politician, writer, sports figure, actor or actress, media darling, and the like, chi straightener buy now who DIDN'T indulge in a bit of self-promotion?

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